Harry Nilsson ’s version of stands as one of the most iconic power ballads of the 1970s. Released in October 1971 as a single from his album Nilsson Schmilsson , it became his only number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, beginning a four-week run at the top on February 19, 1972 . Key Facts and Production

His soaring vocal performance, noted for its incredible range, was famously captured in just one take .

Nilsson originally wanted a stark, piano-only version. Producer Richard Perry convinced him to record it as a grand "monster-ballad" featuring a full orchestra arranged by Paul Buckmaster.

Nilsson first heard the song at a party in Laurel Canyon and mistook it for a Beatles track. Upon learning it was by Badfinger, he decided to record a cover.

According to Billboard , the song was a massive global success:

The performance earned Nilsson the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male in 1973. Chart Performance (1972)

The song was originally written and recorded by Pete Ham and Tom Evans of the band Badfinger for their 1970 album No Dice .